Simonsen leaves Blades in a bad spot
THE theory that goalkeepers have got nothing to lose in a penalty shoot-out will not find much support among Sheffield United fans — and certainly not from their goalkeeper, Steve Simonsen.
After 21 penalty kicks, the last 13 of which had been successfully converted, Huddersfield led 8-7 in the shoot-out which followed 120 goalless minutes of the League One play-off final at Wembley.
Terriers’ keeper Alex Smithies had blasted his spot-kick home, then stood on his line challenging Simonsen to do the same.
As the Blades keeper’s shot disappeared high over the bar, into the blue and white mass of Huddersfield fans behind the goal, one end of the stadium launched a party, as the other began an evacuation.
‘We knew the rules when we started the season,’ said United boss Danny Wilson. ‘So we’re not complaining. It’s harsh, but you’ve got to decide things one way or another.’
You do, of course, and even though, over the course of a poor match, Huddersfield were vastly superior, it was impossible not to feel sorry for the Sheffield contingent, who finished the season nine points ahead of their opponents.
Huddersfield, who could have won the game in normal time, should have clinched it in extra time and missed their first three penalties, somehow kept their belief intact.
‘When we got together to sort out the first five takers, we didn’t expect to get to the keepers,’ admitted Huddersfield boss Simon Grayson.
‘I certainly didn’t expect Alex to score the decisive penalty. It was a tough way for United to lose and I really feel for them.’